It is most likely that as a disciple of Christ, or a young person that is working towards baptism, you will know in your heart that viewing pornography is wrong. But, the nature we bear can be very deceptive, and when overcome with temptation we can be very good at trying to justify it in our own minds. So, let’s take a look at a few scriptures to remind ourselves that this is a sin in God’s eyes.
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart
Matthew 5:28 NIV
It is impossible to look at pornographic images and not have your lusts excited, and so in God’s eyes we are either committing adultery, or fornication, in our hearts by doing so.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality …
Galatians 5:19 ESV
Here in Galatians Paul lists sexual immorality and sensuality as works of the flesh and in Romans 8 he also tells us that “they that are in the flesh cannot please God”.
It is not possible to view pornography that isn’t sexually immoral. Either the parties involved are not married and therefore committing fornication, or if they are married, then you are looking lustfully at another person’s partner and so committing adultery with them in your heart.
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Eph 5:3 ESV
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire
Col 3:5 ESV
Flee from sexual immorality
1 Cor 6:18 ESV
Unfortunately, knowing and accepting that viewing pornography is a sin before God doesn’t provide you with a magic bullet for breaking free of the habit. If it did you probably wouldn’t be here reading this page right now!
Before we look at some suggestions about how to start overcoming the problem, it is worth taking some time to look at why you find it so hard to stop viewing pornography, even when you know in your heart that it is wrong.
Get Off the Roof! 